Lauren Smith's Contact Details

Lauren Smith's Company Details

Cajun Navy Ground Force

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States • 51 - 200 Employees
Civic & Social Organization

Cajun Relief Foundation is passionate about technology and is known for disrupting the status quo. We use technology to find innovative ways to help citizens bring organic relief to those who need it.Cajun Relief Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit think tank type organization founded in September 2016 by Rob Gaudet, who was a key organizer behind the very first Cajun Navy. Though Rob never put foot into a boat, his thoughtful approach to citizen-led rescues helped save thousands of lives. His method was simple, he spearheaded a Cajun Navy group whose only requirement was that citizens agree to work alongside local authorities.This was what separated his efforts from other citizen boaters who were frustrated at being turned back by authorities. By working within the guidelines established by authorities, Cajun Navy boaters with his group were allowed by the authorities to put their boats into the flood waters. This collaboration between authorities and citizens saved thousands of lives in the rapidly rising waters. Rob's actions proved that citizens acting out of concern for their neighbors could be just as effective at rescue and relief as established top down organizations.The difference is that this citizen-led Cajun Navy required $0 dollars.Just why is Cajun Relief different? Established relief organizations that work through established channels require sometimes enormous logistical infrastructures. The Cajun Relief Foundation has figured out how to engage local citizens using technologies that cost practically nothing, we simply empower neighbors to help neighbors.Now Cajun Relief Foundation is working on merging citizen-led giving with a technology solution that promises to disrupt how lives are saved and even more every day needs are met in the future. The effort has never existed on this kind of scale before and so requires a whole new term called ‘CrowdRelief'.